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231007 — BEIJING, Oct. 7, 2023 — Coco Gauff hits a return during the women s singles semifinal between Iga Swiatek of Poland and Coco Gauff of the United States at China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2023. SPCHINA-BEIJING-TENNIS-CHINA OPEN-WOMEN S SINGLES-SEMIFINAL CN LuoxYuan PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1035287415h-scaled.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
231007 — BEIJING, Oct. 7, 2023 — Coco Gauff hits a return during the women s singles semifinal between Iga Swiatek of Poland and Coco Gauff of the United States at China Open tennis tournament in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2023. SPCHINA-BEIJING-TENNIS-CHINA OPEN-WOMEN S SINGLES-SEMIFINAL CN LuoxYuan PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
The initial round fixtures of the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships piqued the interest of fans with some spectacular showdowns on the outdoor hard courts. Now that the round of 16 matches have concluded, the big stage is set for the quarterfinals, which will feature some of the big guns on the women’s tour.
The reigning US Open champion and third-seeded American, Coco Gauff, will square off against her Russian opponent, Anna Kalinskaya, in an exciting quarterfinal clash. As both the young WTA sensations will be vying for a place in the semifinals, it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious in Dubai.
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Coco Gauff vs. Anna Kalinskaya: Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinal match preview
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After a disappointing first-round defeat at the Qatar Open, the American tennis prodigy looks all geared up to make amends at the outdoor hardcourt event in Dubai. Coco Gauff swept aside her unseeded Italian opponent, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, 6-1, 7-5, as she later faced Karolína Plíšková in the round of 16. After dropping the first set, the third-seeded American made a stellar comeback against the Czech, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Anna Kalinskaya, on the other hand, secured a place in the main draw after back-to-back victories in the qualifying rounds. The Russian player then overcame the likes of Storm Hunter and Cristina Bucșa to reach the round of 16 of the WTA 1000 event. Kalinskaya later pulled off a major upset against the ninth seed, Jeļena Ostapenko, in a straight-set match, 6-4, 7-5.
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Gauff vs. Kalinskaya: Head-to-Head
The quarterfinal match between Gauff and Kalinskaya at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai will mark their first meeting on the women’s tour. With no prior encounters between the WTA players, Gauff and Kalinskaya’s H2H record is currently locked at 0-0.
Prediction: Gauff to come out on top in the quarterfinal match
Currently ranked third in the singles category, the American player now has a Grand Slam title under her belt. As she has excelled in competitions on hard courts in the past while securing triumphant campaigns, Gauff will most likely prevail in her match against an unseeded participant to reach the semis. Considering her maiden Grand Slam victory came at the US Open, which features some of the fastest courts on tour, the surface in Dubai suits the World No. 3’s playing style.
However, given Anna Kalinskaya’s deep run to the quarters in the Australian Open, as well as the level of tennis she’s playing right now, the stage is set for what could be a thrilling match.
Who do you think will prevail in this Dubai Tennis Championships quarterfinal between Gauff and Kalinskaya? Let us know in the comments section.